Eileen Ryan, star of Little House on the Prairie and mum to Chris and Sean Penn, has died at her home in Malibu. As reported by the Mirror, a representative confirmed she died on Sunday, just days before her 95th birthday.
As well as sons Sean Penn, 62, and Chris Penn, who died aged 40 in 2006, she was also the mother of musician Michael Penn. And she was the widow of actor and director Leo Penn who died in 1998.
Eileen made her debut on stage in the 1953 production of Sing Till Tomorrow and then appeared on drama series Goodyear Television Playhouse in 1955. Her husband directed the 1988 movie Judgment In Berlin, in which Eileen starred as Gerta X.
She also starred in other projects Leo worked on including episodes of Cannon, Matlock as well as Little House On The Prairie. After having children she slowed down her acting career although she did appear on At Close Range in 1986, playing the grandmother of characters played by sons Sean and Chris.
And she later featured in several other films alongside Sean, including 1991’s The Indian Runner, The Crossing Guard in 1995, I Am Sam in 2001, and the 2006 production of All The King’s Men. Her last screen appearance was in Warren Beatty’s production of Rules Don’t Apply in 2016.
Following news of her death, people took to Twitter to express their condolences. One said: “RIP Sweet woman.
“You and your husband produced quite a talented troupe.” And another said: “RIP Eileen Ryan,” followed by three red heart emojis.